Aaron Callaghan (footballer born 1966)
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Aaron Callaghan (born 8 October 1966) is a former player, coach and manager in the English League, Irish League & [League of Ireland]].
Apart from a brief spell as Athlone Town manager in 2004, Aaron had been a coach at Longford Town from July 2002 until the end of the 2006 season. In 2000 he managed Crusaders FC from Belfast and in his first season the club qualified for Europe. Following a year out from the game, Aaron was appointed Longford Town FC manager in succession to Alan Mathews on December 18, 2007.[1] Due to financial constraints at the club Aaron resigned as manager on August 30th 2008. Aaron was the first coach in Ireland to obtain the UEFA Pro Licence in 2007. He is currently a coach education tutor for the Football Association of Ireland.
He had a distinguished career as a defender both at home and in England. Aaron played over 400 senior games in England.Previously Aaron has played for Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic, Crusaders, Glenavon, and Dundalk. He made his début in League of Ireland for Shelbourne in 1995 & his numerous honours include winning the FAI Cup with Dundalk, 2 Irish League titles with Crusaders, FAI League Cup winner with Shels, a second Division Championship with Oldham Athletic & a promotion with Crewe Alexandra. He was also player-manager of Crusaders for 1 year.
Aaron has played for the Republic of Ireland U21s and was appointed Rep of Ireland U.14 International Coach for 2 years in 1997. The most influential figures on his soccer career to date include his wife, the legendary Crewe manager Dario Gradi, Joe Royle, David Moyes and Tony Lacey. Aaron's favourite player is Alan Hansen. Apart from being player-manager of Crusader, Aaron's proudest moment of his career was when he made his début in the English top flight Division for Potteries club Stoke City in 1984.
[edit] Honours
- FAI Cup
- Dundalk F.C. - 2002
- FAI League Cup
- Shelbourne F.C. 1995/96
- Irish League Championship: 2
- Crusaders F.C. - 1994/95, 1996/97
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- Crewe Alaxandra promotion 1989
